Hailstone rescue

[OzarkTom]

Thanks to all who came out to help yesterday and those who have added their names to our list of folks willing to assist in such situations.
As of yesterday evening, it had become a ground (v/s waterbased) search.

Thanks again to all, our help was appreciated.

[Cowper]

I'm going to be at Boxley at about 10.

Rescuers are pretty sure the boy is trying to hike out. Tom tells me they have a sufficient number of "boots on the ground" and are not calling for any assistance from us at this time.

THIS IS NOT PART OF ANY OFFICIAL SEARCH EFFORT, but I do intend to run the river and look for any clues that might be of assistance.

Right now, it is a party of two (me + Jake K), so if there are any with prior Hailstone runs at current level (or equivalent) already under their belt, company would be welcome.

[canoe]

Cowp, Andy and I will leave about 10, however our focus will be to try and get boats off Beech. dale

[DeBo]

Update: Cowper now meeting at Fallsville at 9:30.

[painterbob]

THEY FOUND THE BOY.............

[Regud]

Great news!

[okieboater]

Any report on his condition?

Great news!

[ARzach]

Any report on his condition?

Great news!

Seconded. I'll be curious to hear the whole story, if possible.

[BMuu]

Good to hear!

[A Savage spanke]

Glad to hear everything is okay, thats a relief.

a 17 year old boy wearing tee-shirt and bluejeans still in the woods lost!

Spent two nights out in the rain in denim and cotton? What a trooper, I complain when I have to put on wet polypro, I can't even imagine. Again, glad everything is okay

[boba]

This story apparently has a happy ending but every time I read a story like this I wonder what else we can do to educate the public about the risks of our sport? Not to scare them off, but enlighten them

[Mrs Burroughs]

Just thought I'd post this b/c it has some was ACC love! :)

Missing Teen Kayaker Found On Buffalo National River
POSTED: 11:31 am CDT April 26, 2011
UPDATED: 11:57 am CDT April 26, 2011
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BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER, Ark. -- The search for a 17-year-old kayaker ended successfully Tuesday with no injuries to missing parties after two days of searching in the upper Buffalo River Wilderness, said public information officer Caven Clark.

Search and rescue professionals included National Park Service, Newton County Sherriff’s Office, United States Forest Service personnel, Arkansas State Police helicopter, and numerous volunteers, including the Arkansas Canoe Association and the Boy Scouts of America.

The incident initially involved two individuals, Clark said: Olen Marshall, 67, and his grandson, 17, who put on the upper Buffalo at Dixon Ridge on Sunday afternoon about 4 p.m. Their intention was to float the 15.5 mile section of the Buffalo referred to as the "Hailstone" section using inflatable kayaks. This section begins in the Ozark National Forest and flows into Buffalo National River at the south end of Boxley Valley.

The Hailstone is a very challenging section of seasonal whitewater that attracts kayak enthusiasts, and it is typical to have kayakers respond to sudden weather events that make this section available to them, Clark said.

The initial report of the overdue individuals was made on Sunday evening by a concerned relative. Because the report came so late on Sunday, it was not possible to initiate search operations until Monday morning, and river conditions were extremely hazardous to searchers, Clark said. Newton County Sherriff’s Office assumed command of the incident and initiated land and rive based search efforts.

Marshall was contacted about 10 a.m. on Monday just upstream from the Highway 5 bridge on Cave Mountain Road. He reported that after several miles, both he and his grandson capsized and swam to opposite sides of the river. Before becoming separated, Marshall saw his grandson on land, walking with his kayak and provisions, , Clark said.

Marshall was mildly hypothermic after spending the night in the wilderness, but declined medical treatment. Search operations were suspended at dark without located the missing teen. The operation was resumed Tuesday morning on land and river, including a raft launched at Dixon river bridge with two NPS rangers and two volunteer searchers. Volunteer horseback searchers were also deployed.

The teen was located at approximately 10:50 a.m. on Tuesday morning and was still in the process of being contacted and recovered. He reported hearing a State Police Helicopter and moved into an open area along the west side of the river where he was spotted. His condition is reported as good, Clark said.

Although not as bad as the 2004 and 2008 flood events, the current flood has caused serious damage to many visitor facilities in the park, especially put-ins and roads, with some bridges damaged, Clark said. While the rain event is diminishing, visitors should take extra caution, both on the roads and on the river, Clark said.

Logs and other debris have likely caused hazard situations and are probably unstable. Buffalo National River is undertaking a post flood damage assessment, Clark said. Limited information on specific resources is available from the park’s dispatch office at (888) 692-1162

[okieboater]

Thanks Mrs Burroughs, for the information.

Glad every thing worked out.

[bhodgin]

I was so worried about the boy. I talked with his stepfather at the Kings river store last night and I just felt sick as I had just come down Cave Mt. Rd and it was flooded on our way out. It was a scary place to be yesterday, even while in the comfort of my dry car. I am so glad to hear that they both made it out safely. Thank all of you who helped with the operation.

[EMTyak]

I'm glad they are both safe!
Thanks very much for the update!